"A dreamer is one who finds his way by moonlight and sees the dawn before the rest of the world.".....Oscar Wilde .....

The most important thing you will learn about Jean Castaing is that she has traveled many roads. One of her favorite quotes from an unknown author is, “Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.” Take the early years. In college Jean enrolled as Journalism major and soon moved into Photojournalism, where she received awards at California state conferences for her heartwarming feature stories. She was later published in regional newspapers, various trade journals and edited newsletters for several organizations. Her first major publication in Los Angeles Magazine, an article on tennis, a passion since childhood, was subsequently turned into a series. Wanting to broaden her horizons, Jean ultimately turned her focus to writing for children. Knowing it would be a serious challenge, she attended UCLA's stellar Writer's Program.

It was at UCLA where she was directed to an organization indispensable to anyone wanting to write for young people. She joined SCBWI, the Society for Children's Writers and Illustrators, attended the Annual International Conferences, numerous regional and local multi-day writing workshops. But the best benefit? Critique groups. Worth their weight in gold. That guidance and her diligence paid off. At several regional events, she received recognition in the most Promising Young Adult Manuscript division for three of her novels, The Wannabes, Whatever It Takes, and Another Song for Me. She also received a first page award for Apt. 6, currently being developed. Another Song for Me is undergoing final edits for publication.

Jean has also found great satisfaction as a "just for fun" oil painter and a "sometimes for profit" photographer. But, if you ask her, she'll tell you that her most profound point of pride is in her family. Married to Chuck since college years and long enough to be a grandmother, she is proud of her three children, who amazingly became the adults she hoped they would be. No mother could ask for more. And typical of grandmothers everywhere, her eyes sparkle when she brags about her five grandchildren.

Jean resides in Thousand Oaks, California with her husband Chuck and her ‘eats-too-much cat,’ Kennedy. When not writing, she continues her 'day job' in real estate, which offers an endless supply of characters and settings.

“The biggest thrill that I have,” Jean tells you, is when my latest novel comes together and offers hours of enjoyment to anxious young readers.

Note: This bio supplied by Jean's friend Mary Weyand, because Jean doesn't like to talk about herself. She likes talking about fascinating people.

If you want to see what Jean has to say when she does talk about herself, check out the first two post on her blog.